DeKalb Schools officials admit flaws in hiring process

The case of a teacher hired this summer at Chamblee Middle School has forced DeKalb County School District officials to rethink their hiring process, including how they check the backgrounds of potential candidates.

Sandra Meeks-Speller was fired by Toledo Public Schools in 2012 after officials there said she physically assaulted students, including putting one in a headlock, and pushing another into a wall. She never lost her teaching license in Ohio.

Because she was still licensed, her infractions slid under the radar when DeKalb officials were considering her for a position this summer.

Superintendent Steve Green said protocols for checking backgrounds of candidates would be improved immediately, including making contact with three required references and verifying employment history written on an application or found on a resume.

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